Next general election is mooted for next May

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has indicated that May 2020 is the "right moment" for a general election.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said Mr. Varadkar wrote to Fianna Fáil leader Mícheál Martin to say that a general election would take place next summer, in May or June.

Speaking on RTÉ's News at One this afternoon, Deputy Coveney said the Taoiseach wrote to Deputy Martin many months ago about the date of the next election.

He said the Taoiseach asked Depeuty Martin for the space to allow the government to do what it needs to for the country in relation to Brexit planning.

Deputy Coveney said if there was a no-deal Brexit the government wants to be in a position to try to steer and protect Ireland.

He said Fine Gael was a safe pair of hands in government.